Washington Square Mall in Indianapolis opened in 1974 as a major retail hub but declined over the decades.
Opened in October 1974 on the east side of Indianapolis, Washington Square Mall was the last of the city’s “Square” malls developed by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. It was built to serve the growing suburban population and quickly replaced the nearby Eastgate Shopping Center as the area’s primary retail destination. At its peak, the mall offered space for five department stores and over 100 specialty shops, along with elaborate interior features like fountains, tropical foliage, and terrazzo flooring.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Washington Square Mall expanded with the addition of anchors such as J.C. Penney, Sears, and Lazarus. The mall evolved through a series of corporate acquisitions and rebrandings, with Federated Department Stores ultimately converting the L.S. Ayres store to Macy’s in 2006. However, by the early 2000s, the mall began to experience steady decline as major retailers left and local economic challenges mounted.
Efforts to reverse the downturn—including tax incentives and the arrival of new tenants like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kerasotes Theatres—provided only temporary relief. A wave of closures followed, and in 2014, Simon Property Group relinquished ownership. New owners struggled to maintain the property, and by 2018, the mall was listed for auction due to unpaid taxes.
As of 2025, Washington Square Mall remains open but has been significantly transformed. Most national chains have departed, leaving the mall supported largely by small businesses and family-owned stores. Target is the last remaining anchor, as the once-thriving shopping center continues to reflect the broader challenges facing American malls.
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